NH lift bridge tested, reopening for all traffic

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire transportation spokesman says a lift bridge that's been out of commission for days to motor vehicle traffic over the Piscataqua River is reopening.

The 73-year-old Sarah Mildred Long Bridge connecting Portsmouth, N.H., to Kittery, Maine, was shut down on Wednesday after its center span got stuck during a routine test. The closing blocked shipping lanes until the bridge was lifted Saturday to allow boats to pass, but cars and trucks could not use the bridge. The ships carry heating oil and other supplies on the river.

Bill Boynton of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation said the bridge was lowered and tested Sunday and would be back to normal operations by about 7 p.m. for both ships and motor vehicles.